George Torr

Two Rotherham stepbrothers who admitted stealing around £6,000 from their dying elderly relative have avoided jail.

Richard Lucas, aged 44, of Rosebery Street, Ferham, and David Windle, 47, of Cantilupe Crescent, Aston, appeared at Sheffield Crown Court on Monday and admitted the theft charges.

The court heard officers discovered that between June and September 2015, £6,000 was stolen from the victim – their 70-year-old terminally ill father and stepfather who was in a hospice in Rotherham.

Investigations revealed that regular cash withdrawals were made from the victim’s account once he was admitted to the hospice.

CCTV showed Lucas and Windle using cash machines using the victim’s bank card.

Investigating officer Police Constable Lynn Robins said: “Over the course of a few months, while their father and stepfather was terminally ill, these two systematically emptied his bank account without permission.

“I am pleased that they admitted their guilt in court yesterday and accepted responsibility for their disgraceful behaviour.

“Sadly, their victim died earlier this year without getting justice or any closure for this awful crime. This case illustrates that we will take action against those who target and exploit vulnerable people for financial gain.”

Lucas and Windle have been sentenced to community service and ordered to pay costs.

A 45-year-old woman was charged in October 2015 with theft in connection with the investigation. She has been released with no further action.